Every day I look out over the Hauraki Gulf from my home at the end of the peninsula they call Whangaparaoa, meaning “bay of whales.” Yet, until a few days ago when I went out on the Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari boat (AWADS), I had no idea of the abundance of marine mammals living so close to us.
It was mostly tourists onboard, suggesting to me that locals are missing out on a treat. Seeing this many dolphins and whales is possibly the best thing I have done in the nearly 12 years I have lived in Auckland.
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This is a story best told in photos:
Onboard with us were several marine biologists as the AWADS is also a research vessel, which is what allows us to get so close to these mammals, yet never in their path. The photos below were provided by the general manager.
Photo Credit: AWADS.
Photo Credit: AWADS.
As these animals are wild, every day is different. Therefore, I was provided with some of the AWADS favourite shots to share here.
Practical Information and Tips
- Whether you are a local or visiting Auckland – the number one thing to do is to Go Out On an Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari.
- AWADS guarantees a sighting. Dolphins are seen on over 90% of trips and whales over 70%. If they don’t think it was “good enough” you get a voucher for a free trip. This is ideal for locals as there’s always another day.
- If you are prone to seasickness, remember to bring or take whichever medicines you use. On the day we went the weather was perfect; however, our first attempt out was turned back due to an unexpected change in the weather.
- Listen to the commentary – it’s informative, interesting and funny.
- If you are going to stand at the front when the boat is moving fast (not near animals) you will probably get wet.
- We planned our day when there were no cruise ships in port, assuming there would be fewer passengers.
- Don’t forget your camera, binoculars if you have them and your lunch (or you can buy food onboard).
Don’t miss these 13 adrenaline rush activities in Auckland.
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Have you seen dolphins or whales in the wild? Have you taken an Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari adventure?
Disclaimer: We were guests of Auckland Whale and Dolphin Safari boat. To aid in the writing of this page, we were also provided with several of the images above, and we have been granted permission to use their photos on this page.
Auckland Museum’s Māori Collection
Kathryn Burrington
I lost count of the number fo whales we saw in Clayoquot Sound, Canada last year. They were all Grey Whales. In June I’m going back to Canada and the Bay of Fundy where I believe 15 species can be found. Hope I get lucky with some photos. I can’t wait!
Rhonda Albom
How wonderful. I hope you get to see a variety of different whales.
Tony Payne
They didn’t have trips like that when I was living in Auckland, looks like it was an amazing trip, and you got some brilliant photos.
I saw a couple of whales when I dived of Whangaparaoa back in 1988, and I did a whale watching tour in Maine where we saw only a couple of whales, but hundreds of huge Basking Sharks.
I definitely think this would be a great thing to do in Auckland.
My cousin is visiting her sister in Auckland, should be arriving about now, so will send them your post in case they haven’t done the trip before. Should be right up their alley.
Rhonda Albom
Honestly, this is one of the best things I have done in Auckland. That moment when the first marine mammal breaks the surface is so magical.
BTW – You know I live in Whangaparaoa.
Thanks for sharing.
Joyce
Beautiful photos! I SO want to visit you.
charlotte
This would definitely make me smile! Beautiful!
Sarah E. Albom
Wow so many animals! Wish I could’ve come
Maggie
Isn’t it funny how locals often miss out on the best adventures? This looks fantastic! Your own photos are quite lovely 🙂
Catherine Johnson
What a magical sight to have so close to home. We didn’t see anything like that at the Bay of Islands.
Moni
I love dolphins, too, and your photos are amazing.
On one of my holidays in Australia, we went to Monkey Mia WA, where wild dolphins come to the beach for feeding. Although it was packed with other tourists 😉 it was a wonderful experience.
And it’s always exciting when they come and swim along with the boat.
Cheers, Moni
Mary {The World Is A Book}
These are such great photos and what a wonderful way to spend the day. I really like the odds of seeing dolphins and whales on this cruise. We have seen dolphins and whales in the wild while on cruise ships and on whale watching tours. It really is such a magical experience to see them in their natural habitat.
Rhonda Albom
Really the odds are 100%. If you don’t see any you can go again for free. It took us two tries, not because we didn’t see anything but rather because the weather turned to custard, and we turned back.
City Coastal Lifestyle
Such beautiful, ethereal creatures, so lucky to get the opportunity to photograph them.
Rhonda Albom
I agree, I do feel about honored that they chose to swim with us.
Jen Massey
WOW!! what an experience 🙂
Sarah Ferguson
This looks like a great trip! I was lucky enough to see a lot of whales while in Hawaii this year – but I would still definitely take this trip if ever I get to New Zealand!
Charlotte
What an experience! Seeing this wonderful mammals live in their habitat is beyond words…
[email protected]
The photos are amazing. I love dolphins, I am hoping to travel to a marine park down at the coast to see some this year.
Paula McInerney
Totally amazing. You have shared an experience with us. I have not seen so many. Great job
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Paula. I know you will be in New Zealand, you should add a dolphin in whale safari to your list of things to do.
Julie K Pick
How exciting to get such a close-up view of dolphins and whales! Our boys went swimming with the dolphins in Aruba, but I just watched from the stands. Delightful shots, Rhonda!
Rhonda Albom
Did they enjoy the experience? I would love to go swimming with dolphins, but only if I could do it any natural setting in the wild.
Eileen @ FamikiesGo!
What amazing photos! You are lucky indeed.
Rhonda Albom
Thanks Eileen. Only lucky to find out about it, the dolphins and whales have always been there.
Betty
What an adventure that must have been! The pictures shared here are great! I have actually seen both dolphins and whales in the ocean on whale watching tours. Have also seen dolphins swimming in the ocean close to where we used to live in the San Diego area. Amazing creatures to see!
betty
Lisa Buie-Collard
Rhonda, when I was in NZ, we went out several times on my sisters and her husbands catch sailboat. Each time there would be dolphins that rode right by the boat the way you show them doing in this post. Such a magical time for me there, and no wonder I dream about returning. Lucky you to live there! Lisa, co-host AtoZ 2015, @ http://www.lisabuiecollard.com
Rhonda Albom
Wow, every time. I race out in the Hauraki during summer for the past five years, and we only had dolphins racing with us one time. I knew there were some out there, just not the mass quantity that seem to there.
Anabel
Beautiful pictures! I have seen whales in New England. We went on a trip to see dolphins in Australia. My husband saw them but I had broken my foot and couldn’t get on deck
Nick Wilford
I’ve been to Auckland – wish I’d done this! Nearest I came to seeing dolphins was off the side of a cruise ship. But they were gone by the time I got there.
Hilary
Hi Rhonda .. that is added to my list of things to do – the ‘tour’ looks amazing and what fun to be able to have research members there too – to bounce ideas off and get extra information. I too would love to see a breaching whale – incredible …
How very fortunate you live where you do .. cheers and here’s to dolphins! Hilary
C. Lee McKenzie
I have yet to swim with the dolphins, but I’m going to. I’ve talked to people who say it is one amazing experience.
Rhonda Albom
I would love the opportunity to swim with dolphins, but for me, it would have to be a natural opportunity.
Comedy Plus
What great shots. How fun. I’ve seen both whales and dolphins in the wide and it’s most exciting.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
LaShaunda
I would love to go on a Dolphin Safari. I’ve been to Sea World and zoos, but to actually see them in the ocean would be amazing.
Thanks for sharing your pictures.
Rhonda Albom
I generally don’t go to places like Sea World. If I remember what I just learned from AWADS correctly, dolphins life expectancy in the wild is close to 40 years, but it’s under two years in captivity.
artmusedog and carol
Wonderful post and awesome shots of the dolphins ~ what a gift to see and photograph!
Happy Weekend to you,
artmusedog and carol
Marie-AZ
What an amazing experience!!! It must have been thrilling to see the dolphins and the Brydes whale. I’d love to do that someday here in US. Have a very blessed Easter!
Rhonda Albom
I hope you get an opportunity. They are amazing animals. I have seen whales off the California coast once, and also in Alaska.
Chrys Fey
Ever since I read Deep Wizardry as a kid, I’ve loved whales. 🙂
Those pictures are amazing!
Rhonda Albom
LOL – I don’t know that book, but Free Willy is what came to mind when I read your comment.
Tasha
We went whale watching when we went to British Columbia a few years ago – it was awesome, however, much murkier and colder than your adventure looks 🙂 Lovely photos.
Tasha
Tasha’s Thinkings | Wittegen Press | FB3X (AC)
stevebethere
Now these photos are lovely they are so nice to look at and watch aren’t they what a fun trip, the photo of Auckland city centre and the whales in one shot..brilliant 🙂
Have a flippertastic day Rhonda 🙂
[email protected]
Hi Rhonda, you’re so lucky you don’t have to travel far to see these wonderful creatures in the wild. And it’s amazing how close some of them are to the city center. You captured some nice shots, especially the first one with the dolphin in action. I love seeing dolphins in the wild, just like penguins they are super charming. Great advice to do this trip when the cruisers are not around:)
Rhonda Albom
Now that I know, I want to tell everyone, sort of shout it from the roof tops. And thanks, glad you liked my shots.
Tamara Narayan
I have seen dolphins in the wild. Every year my family goes to the coast of South Carolina in the US and we stay on Kiawah Island. I’ve seen them in the rivers there and in the rivers surrounding nearby Charleston. It is always a highlight of our trip when we spot one.
Dorothy Bolstein
Quite interesting…..
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I loved looking at your photos, so beautiful. I’m amazed just how close the dolphins be to you and their speed is amazing. I’m so glad that found your blog. It’s so interesting. Have a wonderful Saturday Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Rhonda Albom
Thank Paul. You have made my day. And yes, it was amazing that they swim so close, but never get hit by the boat.
DeniseinVA
Thank you for sharing these incredible sights. Beautiful and mesmerizing at the same time.
Rhonda Albom
When they were swimming with, it was difficult to stop watching and take photos. They are mesmerizing.
Lyn aka The Travelling Lindfields
It looks like you had a fantastic time and managed to take some stunning photos.
Rhonda Albom
Next time you cross the ditch, add it to your things to do in Auckland list. It’s one of the best things I have done in 12 years.
Tom The Backroads Traveller
I have been on several whale watch trips, but never saw sights like these. Tom The Backroads Traveller
Rhonda Albom
We were pretty lucky to have it so good, although I understand it is much better in the winter – except for the cold 🙂
Eileen
I would love to go out on one of these safari boats, seeing the dolphins and whales would make my day. I love seeing the gannets diving into the water.
Awesome photos!
orchid
Wow, What a Fantastic experience to see them actually swimming in the sea♡♡♡ WONDERFUL photographs!!! I’ve been to your country once, Have a wonderful Easter weekend.
Sincerely from Japan to New Zealand, xoxo Miyako*
Fun60
I am so jealous. that looked like the best of trips to view dolphins and whales. Some great reflection shots as well.
Ulla Laiho
What a fantastic experience with exciting images.
Gunilla
Wonderful photos of these amazing animals. I’d love to see them one day.
Margaret Birding For Pleasure
Fantastic images and post. Marvellous reflections. HAVE A HAPPY EASTER WEEKEND.
Nagzilla
The ten year old ichthyologist in me is fangirling right now. This is most definitely on my bucket list. Amazing!
Rhonda Albom
What’s stopping you. BTW – I had to look up ichthyologist – great word, although they are all mammals – except for the hammerhead shark we saw early on.
Jim
Great photos.
Katie
Truly amazing that these beautiful creatures are so close to a major urban center … hope you fully enjoyed your trip out!
Rhonda Albom
It is because New Zealand is so clean and green. The water close to shore is greenish in tint from the oxygen producing phytoplankton, which allows the animals to come much closer than they can to a city which is more polluted.
Ara the Booksnake
Whoa! It’s a truly magical sight. 🙂 thanks so much for sharing this! 🙂
Gemma Wiseman
Dolphins are magical creatures. Strange when we have photographic opportunities close to home that we tend to overlook them. These photos are wonderful. Great treasures. I’d be thinking about going again in the near future.
Bob (@beauty_in_ruins)
Some very cool photos, and absolutely a great experience. It’s funny how locals always take for granted what’s right in their backyard, isn’t it? I have friends and colleagues who’ve never once driven by Niagara Falls, despite it being 10 to 15 minutes away.
Rhonda Albom
I know that locals tend to miss out what tourists find, but I am an expat, so I have no excuse.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
How amazing! And they are so close to you. I bet you’ll be taking that tour again. Awesome photos, Rhonda.
Rhonda Albom
I would love to back out in the winter when there are so many more animals. Although I imagine it will be really cold out on the water.
Sanch @ Living my Imperfect Life
Dolphins are so beautiful! I have been dolphin watching a couple of times here and loved seeing them. I’ve been whale watching once too and was fortunate to see a couple of humpbacks come close to the boat. Magnificent creatures!
Rhonda Albom
I went whale watching in Alaska last year, but I had no idea I could do it right in my backyard.
Indah Nuria Savitri
oh my god…they are magical indeed…I would love to go diving with them…thanks for sharing all these beautiful photos Rhonda…cheers…
Rhonda Albom
I would love to go swimming with them too, but only if it were to happen in a natural setting.